TUSCALOOSA – Alabama opened spring practice last Friday, but will have a week off for spring break. So with everyone accounted for, we’ll breakdown each position. Today, we take a look at the Crimson Tide’s shuffling offensive line.

Outlook: Alabama will have to replace three starters along the offensive line as Austin Shepherd, Arie Kouandjio and Leon Brown have all graduated. But the Crimson Tide does return starters at center and left tackle, the two most important positions on the line. Ryan Kelly is back for his senior season to anchor the line and lead the group. This will be Kelly’s third as the starter. At left tackle, Cam Robinson hopes to go from freshman phenom to sophomore sensation. Robinson is one of seven players who started all 14 games last season, and is only one of two returners to accomplish the feat (cornerback Cyrus Jones).

Based on the first spring practice, the most likely candidates to step into starting spots are Bradley Bozeman, Alphonse Taylor and Dominick Jackson. Where each member of the trio fits is a bit more of a mystery. Bozeman started two games at center last season when Kelly was out with a knee injury, but will likely take one of the guard spots. Taylor battled Brown for the right guard spot, starting two games a year ago. Tide coach Nick Saban praised Dominick Jackson’s ability all last season, and said he would have likely pushed for a starting role if not for an injury during preseason practice.

Rising redshirt freshman Ross Pierschbacher may also factor into the lineup or at worst be the swingman. Saban said the team has high hopes for Pierschbacher coming off of his redshirt year. He can play both guard and tackle.

Grant Hill was expected to push for the right tackle job, but he’s out on medical leave. Saban wouldn’t say what Hill’s status with the team is long-term, but missing time in the spring doesn’t bode well for anyone, especially offensive linemen.

Isaac Luatua, 2014 signees J.C. Hassenauer and Josh Casher and 2015 early enrollees Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack will provide quality depth for the somewhat thin group. Defensive lineman Korren Kirven worked with the offensive line during the first practice, but it’s unclear how long that experiment will last.